The Preah Sihanouk government has approved the investment plans submitted by 23 businesses for 19 of the province’s 32 islands. In order to attract both domestic and foreign tourists, the firms intend to develop the islands as tourist sites with hotels and other attractions.
According to deputy provincial governor Kong Vitanak, there are 32 islands in Preah Sihanouk: five in Sihanoukville, 19 in Koh Rong town, seven in Prey Nop district, and just one in Stung Hav district.
He mentioned that there are four companies investing in the four islands of Sihanoukville, seven companies in the nine islands of Koh Rong, and twelve companies in the six islands of Prey Nop.
On August 3, Vitanak presented the data to the working group of the general-secretariat of the National Committee for Maritime Security (NCMS) about information and updates on maritime security.
Suon Samnang, a permanent member of the NCMS, said during the meeting that he needed more fresh data to confirm the effect of island investments on the defence sector.
To fulfill its responsibilities in the function of conserving seabed biodiversity and protecting the environment, the NCMS must engage in oversight of these investments, he said.
Tourism to the province would increase with the development of the islands. For the locals in particular, it would mean job opportunities.
Source: The Phnompenh Post
